Wednesday, June 7

Beating Insecurities! / IWSG

Optional June Question:Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?

Yes, I have. SEVERAL
times.

Last
year, I had said it a lot--when I was getting rejections, when sales weren't happening, reviews weren't coming
in, when nothing was working despite my efforts, when my depression
reared it's ugly head. I would even go so far as to say to my mom, "Never
publish!"

The very second after I'd yell, "I quit," I'd
be back at, trying my hardest. I can't quit writing, because it's my passion.
My dream. I may succumb to the pressure and throw a tantrum, but there's
not a quitter bone in this body!

****

Insecurity #1: One of my biggest insecurities is recording videos of myself. I get nervous, even if I'm by myself.

Last month, I decided to squash this insecurity.

I recorded myself doing a reading of Tsunami Crimes. I did it in one take because I didn't want to have to do it again and again. But when I finished, I was excited! I immediately created a YouTube channel, published the video, and added it to Goodreads and LinkedIn (which I had just joined at the time).

Now, I plan to do a lot more!

Here's my reading. In the beginning, I make a pretty funny mistake. (I also mess up a few words. Oopsy.)

Side Note:To me, I'm a completely different person in this video. I felt like an actor, which is, I guess, what you have to become, even if you're an author. :P

****

Insecurity #2: Being Chrys Fey in Public.

On Saturday, I had my
first book signing at: Space Coast Book Lovers. I used this event to conquer more insecurities. I did a recorded interview for Hangin with Web Show. I was so nervous in the beginning, but the host was so nice and funny that it was surprisingly easy. I'll share the video when they put it up. :)I also signed up for an Author Mingle/Panel. I had to talk about my first published book, Hurricane Crimes, and answer questions. My heart would pound just before it was my turn, but when I had to speak, I did good.I was really proud of myself afterward.

I had to smile in sympathy as you described your temper tantrum. Sometimes, a tantrum feels so good and really clears the air. Glad you don't have a quitter bone in your body. You have a lot to share with the world.

Oh yeah, the rejections would do that. Been there, still there. Nothing gives you quite a beating than having your work rejected. But even though you'd vent about it, you still stuck it through and now networking like a boss. Hope to be where you are someday.

Doing a public book appearance and making a video - wow, you are one impressive lady! Those are things that would scare me to death. I hate seeing myself on video and can't imagine ever willingly doing a YouTube video. Looking forward to watching yours once I have better internet connectivity.

You should be so proud of yourself!! The video is fantastic and I would be so afraid to make one of those. Also so glad you had such a great experience at the book fest. Your table and swag totally rocked. Yay!!So cool that you and MJ got to meet up!

Wow, Chrys! Good for you. Being pretty introverted myself I know how challenging it can be to read for people, do an interview, or be social with strangers. And, now that you've done it, each time you do it again, you'll be ever more confident.

Your are absolutely not a quitter, Chrys. It looks and sounds like your author event went well. So proud of you for kicking your insecurities in the teeth. I know your author career will keep going strong because you are amazing.

Love that you're doing YouTube. I'm considering it, but I hate how I look and sound on video, so I probably will never be able to do that. Besides, I've been cringing and hiding for days just knowing that there are pictures of me on the Internet.

Hope you had a great time...the sign-up for next year's event starts next month, I hear. :)

Way to conquer your fears! I couldn't do the video thing either. The idea of speaking in public terrifies me and that carries over to any sort of video chat thing. I did one a few years back and was nervous the whole time.

You're doing all kinds of cool stuff! Way to go on squashing those insecurities! I also don't like myself on video but I'm trying to get over that. :) I'd really like to teach a webinar and well, it's video!

You went out and conquered your fear. Wow, bsolutely fabulous!! Loved your display and all you learned. A good lesson for me too. Haven't done this yet and I'm nervous. Your video is wonderful too. Huge Congrats!

Hi Chrys - these are all great - so well done on the video - loved it and it'll get easier ... and you've set the channel up - excellent news. Clever and so good to see you and MJ together ... the conference looks amazing ... so pleased to read this - cheers Hilary

Yay, you!!! You cut down those insecurities like a woodsman taking out a sapling with an 18" chain saw. Great job! No forest is too big for you now. (Even if you DO look younger than my granddaughters...)

Way to go! I've never liked watching myself on video, which means all I can think about while making said video is how terrible I'm going to look and sound. That you were able to tackle that is pretty impressive. The book signing looked really fun. I hope it was as awesome as it looked.

I just give you a big hug of congratulations! This is for the event where you were able to mingle and speak with fellow authors as well as over-riding your insecurity and not quitting. I truly commend your efforts and you did sound great despite the oopsies. Your mom looks cute and she must be proud

Way to tackle the really scary stuff! I'm not afraid of in-person appearances, but I'm like you--scared stiff of the idea of video. Thanks for sharing the tips about doing the convention, too. I agree--spend a little money and have cool stuff to give away. All imprinted with your book info, of course :)—RebeccaMy IWSG Post

It looks like we may use the same pen at signings! :D Whoops, spoiler alert, LOL. Love the video. I've been wondering whether I should do videos, but ugh. I actually like being a panelist more than I like signings. I feel like I'm more in control of speaking vs. sitting there and hoping someone, anyone, stops to buy a book.

Congratulations, that looks like an awesome signing event. Love your video and shared it. Well you look like a successful author therefore you are. It walks and talks like a duck. It must be a duck. The video really were great and you are inspiring. You help me keep on plugging just being who you are. YOU GO! Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

Congratulations on the video and the book signing! I know what you mean by "acting" in videos. I'm myself, but yet, I'm trying to be an authorly self, which is different from my every day self. It's odd (for me, at least).

Chrys, you're so inspiring. Admitting your insecurities and then conquering them the way you have---is amazing! The video is very well done and I enjoyed seeing your instagram photos of your book signing event. A great success and an inpsiration to all of us writers.

How exciting to be conquering your fears Chrys. Wow, I'd hate to do a youtube vid, but that's where it's at for a lot of people. Good for you. And book signing. Wow. I takes me 'at off to you. I hope it all results in a sales spike!

Chrys, your reading was delightful. You are just like a pictured, enthusiastic, fun. You picked a great scene from that book. Scary. Congrats on stomping on your insecurities and doing what's difficult.

Good for you Chrys! It's so nice to see people overcome their insecurities and come out a winner. IT is DIFFICULT... putting yourself out their in the public eye. You did do well! Pat yourself on the back and keep smiling.....

I'm with you, I may stop for a while, but I could never completely quit writing. Although, you are a lot braver than I am recording a video of yourself. Being an actor is a good idea should I ever have to face that scenario.

Congratulations on the book signing; sounds like it was a lot of fun! And I agree that reading your writing can boost your confidence; I felt that way after I read my work out loud at that open mic night that one time. I'd like to do that again, but I admit feeling insecure and that I might not get as good of a response the next time. But I still want to do it. :)